HOISINGTON - Hoisington is gearing up for the 117th annual Labor Day event with a some new events combined with old favorites, but with all of them "Celebrating Life in the Heartland," the theme of this year's parade. New events this year include a concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30. Confederate Railroad will perform after a community barbecue and beer garden, all located under the water tower.

This month, social workers and volunteers who help with the homeless across Kansas finally get to see what a picture, taken eight months ago, has developed into. But some significant data is missing from the picture.

To some, soap is nothing more than an item used for a quick scrub-a-dub-dub in the shower or bath. But to others, including soap maker Rebecca Ford, soap is a creative art form with a realm of pleasures and benefits.

Barton County and Great Bend have been the beneficiaries of the massive Transportation Works for Kansas, or T-WORKS, program, since it was implemented 2010. And, according to a report released Tuesday, more projects are on the way.

HOISINGTON - As a testament to his years of dedication to Hoisington, of devotion to the youth of Hoisington, and of joy that he brought to others through laughter, Troy Bressler has named Hoisington's 117th annual Labor Day parade Grand Marshal. Troy passed away in the fall of 2012.

Great Bend High School Pep Club members Lauren Penka, Kallie Peterson and Lauren Welsch prepare for the opening of school by painting the words to the high school fight song on the sidewalk under the bleachers at Memorial Stadium. School starts in USD 428 on Monday.

Barton County and Great Bend have been the beneficiaries of the massive Transportation Works for Kansas, or T-WORKS, program, since it was implemented 2010. And, according to a report released Tuesday, more projects are on the way.

This Saturday is the last day for humans to take a dip in the city pool this summer, but on Sunday the Wetlands Aquatic Center will be open to canines. The Wetlands will host its annual Bark at the Water Park from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 per dog, with proceeds going toward upkeep of the dog park within Veterans Memorial Park, according to Parks Director Terry Hoff.

Today, five American Legion Riders from the Great Bend Chapter 180 will depart for Indianapolis, Ind. They will join over 400 fellow riders to complete a 1,500-mile one-way, five-day ride to Houston, gathering donations for the Legacy Scholarship Fund. Riding this year from Great Bend are Bill Titsworth, Jeannie Munsch, Bob Jarmer, Brenda and Chris Krueger, and Larry Buczinski.